Why Invest In Haiti? You May Not Know The Back Story

Why a ministry to Haiti?  Why should we invest our energies in Haiti when the government is failing its people?  Aside from Jesus telling us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40), why have we been called to help the Haitians help themselves?

Do you know the back story?

April 17, 2025, marked the 200th anniversary of the April 17, 1825, indemnity agreement issued by King Charles X of France, which recognized Haiti’s independence as a country after its slave revolt. But in exchange, it extorted under threat of war, a 150 million gold francs debt on the Haitian government as recompense for what they called the “loss of France’s colony and enslaved labor force.” Haiti is a product of the modern world's first successful slave revolution! They paid a heavy price for their freedom. 

Many believe Haiti’s current situation can be traced back to this past debt, which, according to some economists, was equivalent to over 20 billion in today’s dollars. This massive debt crippled the small island nation, which continued to pay it off until 1947. Researchers have opined that  “This unjust debt and the resulting drain on the Haitian economy has been found to be ultimately responsible not only for the underfunding of education in 20th-century Haiti, but also for the lack of health care and the country’s inability to develop public infrastructure.” On the 200th anniversary, France's President Emmanuel Macron said that it was unjust to force Haiti to pay for its independence back then. During his contrite remarks, he also announced a joint commission for both countries to examine their shared past. Macron's statement made no mention of reparations that many have called for. 

There is an old proverb in Haiti that “Everything is broken except the spirit of the people.” But even the indelible spirit of the Haitian people can be bent under the weight of constant suffering and loss of hope for a brighter future. The Haitian people need to see that they are capable of changing their own futures. The path to this bright future is accomplished by demonstrating to the people that they hold that small glimmer of hope in the palms of their own hands.

By assisting the Haitian people, FLM Haiti helps to build those glimmers into infernos. Through Christian service and mission, we remind them that they are not forgotten nor alone.  Our nonprofit organization provides education, literacy training, health care, and preparation in trade skills. We provide financial and emotional support by employing physicians, nurses, teachers, translators, guesthouse managers, and more.

For over 40 years, FLM Haiti has been in Haiti providing dignity and hope through direct service, education, and health care. Our partnership has enabled the Haitian people to address critical needs in nutrition, safe water, health, education, and job training. We welcome you to join us and invest
in this mission.

NOW YOU KNOW...